Motorized Luggage or Luggage Platform with Wired or Wireless Guidance and Distance Control

ABSTRACT

The present invention comprises a motorized luggage container, luggage bag, or luggage rack apparatus that has a wired or wireless control for controlling the movement of the device. The motorized luggage container, luggage bag, or luggage rack apparatus includes a plurality of wheels, of which one or more of the wheels are engaged to a motor, preferably electric in design, and one or more of the wheels also include a steering mechanism. The motorized luggage container, luggage bag, or luggage rack also includes a power supply, such as one or more batteries, and electrical circuitry for communicating with the wired or wireless control. In the wire control, a tether line is held by the individual for controlling the motorized present invention. In the wireless design, the individual holds, pockets, or otherwise maintains a wireless remote for which the motorized luggage follows from a specified distance.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Applications61/620,010 filed on Apr. 4, 2012. This Provisional applications isincorporated herein by this reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to traditional luggage container andluggage bags used generally at airports but more specifically, relatesto a motorized luggage container or luggage bag that includes wired orwireless control.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Motorized equipment to replace various previous non-motorized items havebeen and are being developed as technology is evolving and the need toprovide certain assistance for individuals who require the use of theitems. One such item is the motorized-wheelchair that has taken over theprevious non-motorized wheelchair. The non-motorized wheelchairgenerally requires another person to propel the wheelchair when therider is incapacitated or when one is at least partly incapacitated, anassociate, spouse or family member is desired for wheelchair assistance.The purpose of motorized wheelchairs is to solve the individualassistance problem of standard wheelchairs and provide the incapacitatedor partly incapacitated individual with a wide range of options, such assuperior range of motion, ability to travel long distances.

Traditional luggage containers and luggage bags, such as the ones usedby airport passengers, are not of the most convenient design. This ispartly because of the weight of the luggage and the somewhat awkward wayin which individuals must pull or push their luggage. It can be verytiring especially if the passenger needs to walk a long way from oneterminal to another.

Hence, there is a need for a luggage container, luggage bag, or luggagerack apparatus to assists individuals in moving their luggage from onelocation to another.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a motorized luggage container, luggagebag, or luggage rack apparatus that has a wired or wireless control forcontrolling the movement of the device. The motorized luggage container,luggage bag, or luggage rack apparatus includes a plurality of wheels,of which one or more of the wheels are engaged to a motor, preferablyelectric in design, and one or more of the wheels also include asteering mechanism. The motorized luggage container, luggage bag, orluggage rack also includes a power supply, such as one or morebatteries, and electrical circuitry for communicating with the wired orwireless control. In the wire control, a tether line is held by theindividual for controlling the motorized present invention. In thewireless design, the individual holds, pockets, or otherwise maintains awireless remote for which the motorized luggage follows from a specifieddistance.

It is also anticipated that the motorized and steering technologyutilized for the present invention could also be applied to shoppingcarts, baby carriages and buggies, wagons, laundry carts, golf bags withgolf caddies and lawnmowers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary environment whereindividuals are negotiating through hallways with corners and oneindividual is walking with his/her motorized luggage that is wirelessfollowing the path of the individual;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an individual walking with the presentinvention motorized luggage using wireless technology to follow thewalking path of the individual.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the presentinvention showing an individual walking motorized luggage using wiretether technology to follow the walking path of the individual.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of an exemplary motorized luggage with one setof wheels designed for steering and another set of wheels designed toprovide propulsion means.

FIG. 5 is a side view taken from FIG. 4 showing the set of wheelsdesigned for steering.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the propulsion means including abattery power supply, a drive motor, optional gearing, one or more drivewheels and a microprocessor printed circuit board;

FIG. 7 is an exemplary electrical circuitry and programmablemicroprocessor printed circuit board used with the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Generally, as defined herein;

The term “luggage” refers to is any number of bags, cases and containerswhich hold a traveler's articles during transit. The modern traveler canbe expected to have packages containing clothing, toiletries, smallpossessions, trip necessities, and on the return-trip, souvenirs. Theterm “baggage” can be synonymous with “luggage”.

The term “luggage container” refers to a suitcase or similar case thatis substantially solid form device with wheels or without wheels forcontaining clothing, toiletries, small possessions, trip necessities,and on the return-trip, souvenirs.

A luggage bag refers to a substantially flexible device for containingclothing, toiletries, small possessions, trip necessities, and on thereturn-trip, souvenirs. These luggage bags are almost exclusively softside, are well suited to casual travel, with very little organizationinside and can be worn on the shoulder. Wheeled models with extendinghandles have become popular in recent years.

A luggage rack apparatus refers to a device that a traditional luggagecontainer, suitcase or luggage bag can be placed upon or on and used forgeneral transportation means.

A typical cell phone, smart phones, or similar apparatus includes allremote cellular phones, mobile phones, PDAs, tablets (e.g. refers to allcurrent and future variants, revisions and generations of the AppleIPAD, Samsung Galaxy, HP, Acer, Microsoft, Nook, Google Nexus, Sony,Kindle and all future tablets manufactured by these and othermanufactures, Apple IPOD Touch, Bluetooth timepiece or fob watches andother similar apparatus with WIFI and Bluetooth wireless capability.

The terms propulsion refers to forward or reverse motions, thrust,momentum, impetus or driving force.

Now referring to FIG. 1, which is a perspective view of an exemplaryenvironment 16 where individuals are negotiating through hallways 14with corners 26 and one individual 20 is walking with his/her motorizedluggage 10 that is following the path of the individual 20 usingwireless technology 12. The exemplary environment 16 generally could bean airport, rail station, boat station or other general publictransportation but could also consist of residential or commercialfacilities. Such exemplary environment 16, as shown, has varioushallways 14 with a corner intersects two individual hallways 14. TheFigure shows a walking pathway 30 with various positions 32 and 34. Alsoshown in this Figure are other individuals 22 a, 22 b walking or presentwithin the exemplary environment 16 with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an individual 20 walking with thepresent invention motorized luggage 10 having a top mounted handle 11and using wireless technology 12 to follow the walking path of theindividual 20. On the bottom 24 of the motorized luggage 10 are one ormore steering wheels 40 and one or more propulsion wheels 42. In thissituation, the one or more propulsion wheels push the motorized luggage10 from the posterior or back position. While the Figure details the oneor more steering wheels 40 in the anterior or front position and the oneor more propulsion 42 in the posterior or back position, it isanticipated by the Applicants that one or more steering wheels 40 can bein the posterior or back position and the one or more propulsion 42 inthe anterior or front position. In this situation, the one or morepropulsion wheels would pull the motorized luggage 10 from the anterioror from position. Furthermore, it is Anticipated by the Applicant theone or more steering wheels 40 can be physically associated with orincorporated within the one or more propulsion wheels 42 located ineither the anterior/front position or in the posterior/back position. Inthis situation, one or more free wheels will be utilized to providestabilization. While FIG. 2 shows the motorized technology associatedwith luggage, it is anticipated by the Applicants that this technologycan be also utilized with baby carriages, buggies, or trolleys, shoppingcarts, golf bags and caddies, laundry carts, wheelbarrows, wagons,vacuum cleaners or other apparatus that individuals pull or push. WhileFIG. 2 also shows the motorized luggage apparatus 10 following anindividual 20, it is also anticipated that the motorized luggageapparatus 10 can be designed to be located to maintain its positioned infront of the individual 20 or maintain its positioned on the left orright side of the individual 20. The advantages of having the motorizedluggage positioned in front or at the side of the individual 20 is thatthe individual 20 can maintain visual contact with the motorized luggageapparatus 10.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the presentinvention motorized luggage 23 has a handle 11 and showing an individual21 walking with the present invention motorized luggage 23 using wiretether technology 18 to follow the walking path of the individual 21. Onthe bottom 24 of the motorized luggage 10 are one or more steeringwheels 36 and one or more propulsion wheels 38. In this situation, theone or more propulsion wheels push the motorized luggage 23 from theposterior or back position. While this Figure details the one or moresteering wheels 36 in the anterior or front position and the one or morepropulsion 38 in the posterior or back position, it is anticipated bythe Applicants that one or more steering wheels 36 can be in theposterior or back position and the one or more propulsion 38 in theanterior or front position. In this situation, the one or morepropulsion wheels would pull the motorized luggage 10 from the anterioror from position. Furthermore, it is Anticipated by the Applicant theone or more steering wheels 36 can be physically associated with orincorporated within the one or more propulsion wheels 38 located ineither the anterior/front position or in the posterior/back position. Inthis situation, one or more free wheels will be utilized to providestabilization. No particularly shown is preferably four way switchingtechnology provides a means to inputting instructions that is in closeproximity to the junction between the tether which attaches to themotorized luggage 23. For example, when the individual turns left andmoves the tether to the left a switch can be engaged to rotate the oneor more steering wheels 36 to turn left. And then when the tether iscentered, the switch is turn off and the wheels return to the centerstraight position. Similarly when the individual turns right and movesthe tether to the right a switch can be engaged to rotate the one ormore steering wheels 36 to turn right. And then when the tether iscentered, the switch is turn off and the wheels return to the centerstraight position. Also, to remain in a relatively fixed distance fromthe individual, when the tether move up (as it get closer to theindividual), the switching mechanism engages in such a way that motor isinstructed to reduce its rate of forward motion (slow down). And thenwhen the tether is centered, the motor returns to the original forwardmotion. When the tether moves down (as it gets farther from theindividual), the switching mechanism engages in such a way that motor isinstructed to increase its rate of forward motion (speed up). And thenwhen the tether is centered, the motor returns to the original forwardmotion. The 4 way switching mechanism could also be similar to thetoggle controls used in remote small-car technology. It is alsoanticipated by the Applicant that the various switch inputs, e.g. thefrequency and duration of needs to increase the forward motion, cancontinually be analyzed by a programmable microprocessor or CPU todetermine a forward motion that attain the forward motion of theindividual, Hence, the motorized luggage will have electrical circuitrywith a programmable microprocessor or CPU that communicates with thesteering mechanism and the propulsion mechanism.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of an exemplary motorized luggage with one setof wheels designed for steering and another set of wheels designed toprovide propulsion means. The motorized luggage apparatus 10 can be inan upright configuration as shown in FIG. 2 or in a horizontalconfiguration as shown in FIG. 3. Shown in this FIG. 4 are left steeringwheel 36 a, 42 a, and a right steering wheel 36 b, 42 b. Also shown areleft propulsion wheels 40 a, 38 a, and right propulsion wheels 40 b, 38b. Approximately centered between the propulsions wheels is a motor 46(preferably electric but could be powered by other means, e.g. gas oralcohol) and a power pack 60. The power pack 60 is preferably arechargeable lithium, cadmium, alkaline, (see list) or other batterytechnology. Although not necessary to the present invention, an inattempt to minimize weight, the power pack 60 can be designed with theelectric motor 46 to provide a reasonable but limited amount that willprovide motorized capability for 30-90 minutes. The motor 46 isconnected to the one or more propulsion wheels 40 a, 38 a, 40 b, 38 bbut left shaft 66 and right shaft 68. Also shown is latching mechanism54 that is designed to allow the motor 46 and power pack 60 to beremoved from the unit to reduce weight, comply with governmentalregulation, provide for convenient charging, or for other purposes. Itis also anticipated that the motor can be located in various locationsand coupled to the propulsion wheels using standard technology. It isalso anticipated by the one or more steering wheels, one or morepropulsion wheels, the motor and associated components, power pack,electrical circuitry can be engaged or attached to a platform that manytypes of non-motorized luggage can be placed on the platform forwireless motorized operation. Furthermore, electrical stepping motors ormotorized wheels can be utilized with the present invention which wouldalleviate the need for a separate motor 46 and axles 44 a and 44 b. Inaddition, the Applicant anticipates that the propulsion system can beother than wheels, such a track system analogous to those used onsnowmobiles.

FIG. 5 is a side view taken from FIG. 4 showing the one or more wheelsdesigned for steering. The steering wheel(s) 40 can be controlled by asteering mechanism or can be free-wheeling when the propulsion wheels 42a and 42 b are used for steering.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the propulsion means including abattery power supply 60, a drive motor 46, optional gearing 64, one ormore drive wheels 42 and a microprocessor printed circuit board 62. Asdescribed, the propulsion wheels can be stepping type or motor wheelsand furthermore, the propulsion wheels can be utilized for steeringguidance by utilizing the electrical circuitry and programmablemicroprocessor to control the rotational speed of each wheel, such thatif on wheel is control to rotate faster than another wheel it willcompel the apparatus to turn (e.g. a rear mounted right wheel rotatingfaster will turn the apparatus to the left and a rear mounted left wheelrotating faster will turn the apparatus to the right. Conversely, if aright front mounted wheel (front wheel drive) rotates faster, theapparatus will turn to the right and if a left front mounted wheel(front wheel drive) rotates faster, the apparatus will turn to the left.

FIG. 7 shows is an exemplary electrical circuitry and programmablemicroprocessor printed circuit board used with the present invention.The microprocessor 84 that processes the information sensors and usesinternal instructions to control the information projected on theoptional display 80 and for processing alarm states. In addition, themicroprocessor can signal visually or auditory various information, suchas battery strength, wireless disconnection or interference betweenapparatus and user, malfunction states, etc. The microprocessor caninclude an EEPROM or any type of memory section that allows for specificprogramming to be incorporated as processing instructions, Furthermore,the microprocessor may have the capability to convert analog signalsinto digital information for decoding and processing. An example of amicroprocessor that could be used for the CPU or microprocessor is thePIC16F876 28-pin 8-Bit CMOS FLASH micro-controllers manufactured byMicrochip Technology, Inc. This particular microprocessor has a 128KEEPROM Data memory bank for flash memory of specific instructions andutilizes a 35-word instruction set. It also has five 10-bitAnalog-to-Digital Inputs that can provide the means for converting theinformation. Other Microchip alternatives could be the PIC18FXXX seriesof microprocessors. Another example of a microprocessor that could beused for the CPU or microprocessor is the MSP430 16 bit Ultra Lowprocessor from Texas Instruments in Dallas, Tex. The MSP430 has 1 KBRAM, 32K Flash, and a 128 segment LCD drive. There are many othervariants or other microprocessors, whether commercially marketed orprivately fabricated, that can be used with the present invention.

Operational Technology

There are two important characteristics that the motorized luggageapparatus 10 has, 1) to maintain alignment with the individual 20, and2) to maintain a desired distance with the individual 20. The followingis a discussion of the technology that can be incorporated into themotorized luggage apparatus 10 to provide these characteristics. Anotherimportant characteristic of the present invention is to alert anindividual when de-coupling of the motorized luggage apparatus 10 andthe individual has occurred.

GPS Technology

It is anticipated that GPS technology could be used to provide guidancefor the wireless Motorized Luggage or Luggage Platform. GPS is atechnology that has certain characteristics. For example, circular errorprobable (CEP): The accuracy expressed using this term is based on thepoints that fall within a circle, that is, you get only the horizontalaccuracy of the GPS. This is because, out of the total points used tocompute the accuracy of the handheld GPS, half of the data-points falloutside the circle centered round the truth (estimated accuracy of theGPS device).

For example, the currently accuracy of GPS is 2 meters CEP, it meansthat there is 50 percent probability that the measurement lies insidethe circle of 2 meters, On the other hand, it also means that there is50 percent probability that the measurement lies outside the circle with2 meter radius.

95 Percent Confidence: The accuracy of GPS is also mentioned in 95thpercentile. For example, if the ad says that the accuracy of the GPS isaccurate to 10 meters, you can be sure that accuracy of the GPS maycontain an error of 10 meter circle and a 5 percent probability of theerror being greater than 10 meters.

It is essential to understand that there is no such thing as perfectaccuracy of GPS. Each measurement, be it for GPS or anything else, hassome probability of error. Also, please note that both CEP and 95percentile are “estimated” and not “guaranteed” error. Hence, theaccuracy of GPS as mentioned in the ads by GPS vendors may or may not beprecise, taking into account, the above mentioned error possibilities.Try to go for a handheld whose error possibilities are minimum based onabove explanations.

The accuracy can be expressed in a manner that describes the 50thpercentile (e.g. half the data is better than the stated value, half thedata is worse than the stated value). Alternatively, the accuracy may bedescribed at the 95th percentile (95 percent of the data is better thanthe specification). The list below states the more common terms used todescribe GPS accuracy:

CEP (Circular Error Probable)—Values stated as CEP apply to horizontalaccuracy only. Half of the data points fall within a circle of thisradius centered on truth, half lie outside this circle. (As a niftyapproximation, you may multiply CEP by 2.5 to obtain 2dRMS.)

SEP (Spherical Error Probable)—Applies to combined horizontal andvertical accuracy. Half of the data points fall within a sphere of thisradius centered on truth, half lie out side this sphere.

1dRMS (or RMS)—Approximately 68 percent of the data points occur withinthis distance of truth. It should be expressed clearly whether theaccuracy value refers only to horizontal or to both horizontal andvertical. (Note that 1dRMS can be double or tripled to obtain 2dRMS or3dRMS.)

2dRMS—Approximately 95 percent of the data points occur with thisdistance of truth. It should be expressed clearly whether the accuracyvalue refers only to horizontal or to both horizontal and vertical.

3dRMS—Approximately 99.7 percent of the data points occur with thisdistance of truth. It should be expressed clearly whether the accuracyvalue refers only to horizontal or to both horizontal and vertical.

The vast majority of GPS-based data collection systems for GIS utilizethe civilian C/A code (as opposed to the military P code). The U.S.military runs a program that almost always degrades this GPS C/A code.This governmental degradation of the GPS signal (known as SelectiveAvailability, or S/A) has an equal impact on all C/A code GPS receivers.The specified accuracy of positions under the influence of S/A is thatthe horizontal coordinates will be within 100 meters of truth 95 percentof the time. This specification will hold true regardless of themanufacturer or model of C/A code receiver. It is true that the effectsof S/A can be removed by using a process known as differentialcorrection. However, without the benefit of differential correction allC/A code receivers are essentially the same accuracy, less than 100meters 95 percent of the time. A less common, but very misleading,tactic is to advertise or display the hypothetical accuracy of the GPSreceiver as if there were no S/A in effect. Some systems will displaysuch a hypothetical accuracy even when S/A is an full force. Whenresearching accuracy claims, compare the accuracy after differentialcorrection this is the only meaningful accuracy value.

To operate properly a GPS chip or receiver would have to be located inthe luggage and a GPS chip receiver located with the individual and thensoftware would have to be communicated between the luggage and theindividual. The software would compare the two locations to guide anddetermine the distance between the two GPS receivers to determine thespeed.

Sensor Technology

Various sensor technology can be used for guidance of the wirelessMotorized Luggage or Luggage Platform. Two or more sensors can be placedat a strategic location on the wireless Motorized Luggage or LuggagePlatform that communicates with another sensor that is attached to theindividual who desires the wireless Motorized Luggage or LuggagePlatform to follow the individual. Such technology includes but is notlimited to, ultrasonic waves, magnetic wave technology, and lasertechnology, which are generated from the sensor. Ultrasonic, magneticand laser waves from the plurality of sensor can be focused to provideguidance for the wireless Motorized Luggage or Luggage Platform andmeasuring the timing of the ultrasonic, magnetic or laser waves canprovide distance information. Software with a programmablemicroprocessor can be incorporate the ultrasonic, magnetic or lasersensors to adjust and calibrate the guidance and distance parameters.

It is also anticipated that the wireless technology use to communicationuse wireless protocols that can be utilized with the present inventioninclude, but are not limited to, the IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE802.11g and IEEE 802.11n modulation techniques. Another example of thewireless protocols that can be utilized with the present invention isthe Bluetooth IEE 802.15.1 and ZigBee and/or Z-wave with uses the IEE802.15.4 modulation technology. Applicants recognize that there arenumerous wireless protocols that have been developed that, although notspecifically listed, could be utilized with the present invention fordata transfer purposes. It is also anticipated that the wirelesstechnology use to communication use wireless protocols that can beutilized with the present invention include, but are not limited to, theIEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g and IEEE 802.11n modulationtechniques. Another example of the wireless protocols that can beutilized with the present invention is the ZigBee, Z-wave and IEE802.15.4 modulation technology. Applicants recognize that there arenumerous wireless protocols that have been developed that, although notspecifically listed, could be utilized with the present invention fordata transfer purposes. The wireless technology can use radio-frequency,Bluetooth, WiFi, Zigbee, optical or other wireless technology forcommunicating between the motorized luggage and the individual. Examplesof Bluetooth modules (using the 2.4 GHz band as WiFi) that can be addedto the present invention are the RN-41 Bluetooth modules available fromRoving Networks in Los Gatos, Calif., the KC-41, KC 11.4, KC-5100,KC-216 or KC-225 data serial modules from KC Wireless in Tempe Ariz.,and/or the BT-21 module from Amp'ed RF wireless solutions in San Jose,Calif. Examples of wireless protocols that can be utilized with thepresent invention include, but are not limited to, the IEEE 802.11a,IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g and IEEE 802.11n modulation techniques.Applicants recognize that there are numerous wireless protocols thathave been developed that, although not specifically listed, could beutilized with the present invention for data transfer purposes.

ISM bands defined by the ITU-R are:

Frequency range Center frequency [Hz] [Hz] Availability 6.765-6.795 MHz6.780 MHz Subject to local acceptance 13.553-13.567 MHz 13.560 MHz26.957-27.283 MHz 27.120 MHz 40.66-40.70 MHz 40.68 MHz 433.05-434.79 MHz433.92 MHz Region 1 only 902-928 MHz 915 MHz Region 2 only 2.400-2.500GHz 2.450 GHz 5.725-5.875 GHz 5.800 GHz 24-24.25 GHz 24.125 GHz 61-61.5GHz 61.25 GHz Subject to local acceptance 122-123 GHz 122.5 GHz Subjectto local acceptance 244-246 GHz 245 GHz Subject to local acceptance

While currently the 430 MHz and 900 MHz frequencies are commonly used inthe US, it is anticipated by the Applicants that the other frequenciescould be used for signal and data transfers.

Bluetooth, standardized as IEEE 802.15.1, is a wireless technologystandard for exchanging data over short distances (usingshort-wavelength radio transmissions in the ISM band from 2400-2480 MHz)from fixed and mobile devices, creating personal area networks (PANs)with high levels of security. Zigbee aims at automation whereasBluetooth aims at connectivity of mobile devices in close proximity.Zigbee uses low data rates, low power consumption on small packetdevices while blue tooth uses higher data rates, higher powerconsumption on large packet devices. Zigbee networks support longerrange devices and more in number compared to Bluetooth networks whoserange is small. Given Zigbee's almost instant network join times (30milliseconds) it is more suitable for critical applications whileBluetooth's longer join time detrimental (3 seconds).

The present invention motorized luggage can include three or morereceivers that can identify and triangulate different signals comingfrom the users smart or mobile phone, tablet, or watch that incorporatesBluetooth technology specialized Bluetooth device.

The coordinates and distance to a point can be found by calculating thelength of one side of a triangle, given measurements of angles and sidesof the triangle formed by that point and two other known referencepoints.

The following formulas apply in flat or Euclidean geometry.

$l = {\frac{d}{\tan \; \alpha} + \frac{d}{\tan \; \beta}}$ Therefore$d = {l/\left( {\frac{1}{\tan \; \alpha} + \frac{1}{\tan \; \beta}} \right)}$

Using the trigonometric identities tan α=sin α/cos α and sin (α+β)=sin αcos β+cos α sin β, this is equivalent to:

$d = \frac{l\; \sin \; \alpha \; \sin \; \beta}{\sin \left( {\alpha + \beta} \right)}$

From this, it is easy to determine the distance of the unknown pointfrom either an observation point, and its north/south and east/westoffsets from the observation point, and therefore its full coordinates.

A microcontroller is located on the present invention motorized luggagethen interprets the Bluetooth signals from the smart phone's, tablet,watch with Bluetooth wireless capability or specialized Bluetooth devicethat is carried by an individual and calculates the position of theluggage or suitcase in relation to the individual, The samemicrocontroller also operates one or more wheels of a continuous singleor multiple caterpillar track system which moves the suitcase around,following the owner at a constant distance. If the Bluetooth signal islost, the user is alerted by a phone, tablet, or watch vibration oraudio annunciation and the suitcase automatically stops itself.

In addition, two or more wireless sensors, such as ultrasonic or Dopplersensors can be used with the present invention. Using ultra transceiversensors (e.g. 40,000 Hz sensors) can be used to ping a receiving sensor.A transceiver sensor can be on the user or individual and the two ormore receiving sensors can be on the luggage. The transceiver andreceiver sensors need to measure the error between transceiver sensorsand the receiving sensors and make adjustments for guidance. One issuethat should be used is to scale down the error measurements so that theluggage does not wander back and forth. Another issue would be thedetermine slope of the error measurements as this would be useful incontrolling the speed.

Users can program the bags so that they follow each other or even bepassed on to follow a member of airport staff, for example.

Camera Following Object Technology

When using camera following object technology a sensor is position in aposition such it can focus on a particular item of the individual tolocalizing and distance monitoring. It is anticipated that various itemscan be utilized by the present invention. An example that can be used isa color coded wheel disc have a series of pie section provide a uniquecolor pattern. This embodiment of the device features an RGB camera,depth sensor, an audio means and running proprietary software, whichprovide 3D motion capture capabilities.

The depth sensor consists of an infrared laser projector combined with amonochrome CMOS sensor, which captures video data. The sensing range ofthe depth sensor is adjustable. This infrared image shows the laser gridfor the present invention uses to calculate depth. The depth map isvisualized here using color gradients from white (near) to blue (far).

It is anticipated by the Applicants that the present invention sensoroutputs video at a frame rate in the range of 10-60 Hz. The RGB videostream could employ 8-bit VGA resolution (640×480 pixels) with a Bayercolor filter, while the monochrome depth sensing video stream is in VGAresolution (640×480 pixels), which provides sufficient level ofsensitivity. The present invention sensor should have a practicalranging limit of 0.2-0.5 m (3.9-11 ft) distance when used with theprogrammable software. The area required is roughly 6 m², although thesensor can maintain tracking through an extended range of approximately0.7-6 m (2.3-20 ft). The sensor has an angular field of view of 57°horizontally and 43° vertically, while the motorized pivot is capable oftilting the sensor up to 27° either up or down. The horizontal field ofthe camera sensor at the minimum viewing distance of ˜0.8 in (2.6 ft) istherefore ˜87 cm (34 in), and the vertical field is ˜63 cm (25 in),resulting in a resolution of just over 1.3 mm (0.051 in) per pixel.

It is also anticipate the wireless signals can used encrypted format tosecurely provide wireless transfer in a confidential format, integritytechnology to ensures that the wireless signal ensures that transferred,uploaded properly or authentication downloaded wireless signal iscommunicated to an intended device or person.

1. A motorized luggage apparatus comprising; a luggage, luggagecontainer, or a luggage bag; said luggage, luggage container, or luggagebag having one or more wheels or tracks; an electric motor; an electricpower source, said power source in communication with said motor; saidone or more wheels or tracks or engaged to said motor; electriccircuitry, said electric circuitry in communication with said powersource and said motor, and a steering mechanism.
 2. A motorized luggage,luggage container, or luggage bag as recited in claim 1, wherein saidmotor is electric and said powers source includes one or more batteries.3. A motorized luggage, luggage container, or luggage bag as recited inclaim 1, wherein said electric motor is a standard brushed internallycommutated design.
 4. A motorized luggage, luggage container, or luggagebag as recited in claim 1, wherein said electric motor is a steppingdesign.
 5. A motorized luggage, luggage container, or luggage bag asrecited in claim 4, wherein said stepping electric motor or saidstandard brushed internally commutated electric motor also has thecapability to function as the steering mechanism.
 6. A motorizedluggage, luggage container, or luggage bag as recited in claim 1,further comprising a wired tether is in electrical communication withsaid electrical circuitry.
 7. A motorized luggage, luggage container, orluggage bag apparatus as recited in claim 1, further comprising aremotely located wireless apparatus that provides guidance and distancedata that is in wireless electrical communication with said electricalcircuitry.
 8. A motorized luggage, luggage container, or luggage bag asrecited in claim 7, wherein said wireless technology utilizes distancecontrol and localizing or alignment technology.
 9. A motorized luggage,luggage container, or luggage bag as recited in claim 7, wherein saidwireless technology utilizes optical technology.
 10. A motorizedluggage, luggage container, or luggage bag as recited in claim 7,wherein said wireless technology utilizes triangulation techniquestechnology.
 11. A motorized luggage, luggage container, or luggage bagas recited in claim 7, wherein said wireless technology utilizes GPStechnology.
 12. A motorized luggage, luggage container, or luggage bagas recited in claim 7, wherein said wireless technology utilizesultrasonic, Doppler, magnetic or laser sensor technology.
 13. Amotorized luggage, luggage container, or luggage bag as recited in claim7, wherein said wireless technology utilizes camera followingtechnology.
 14. A motorized luggage apparatus comprising; a luggage rackapparatus; said luggage rack apparatus having one or more wheels ortracks; an electric motor; a electric power source, said power source incommunication with said motor; said one or more wheels or tracks engagedto said motor; electric circuitry, said electric circuitry incommunication with said power source and said motor; a steeringmechanism.
 15. A motorized luggage rack apparatus as recited in claim14, wherein said motor is electric and said powers source includes oneor more batteries.
 16. A motorized luggage rack apparatus as recited inclaim 14, wherein said electric motor is a standard brushed internallycommutated design.
 17. A motorized luggage rack apparatus as recited inclaim 14, wherein said electric motor is a stepping design.
 18. Amotorized luggage rack apparatus as recited in claim 17, wherein saidstepping electric motor or said standard brushed internally commutatedelectric motor also has the capability to function as the steeringmechanism.
 19. A motorized luggage rack apparatus as recited in claim14, further comprising a wired tether is in electrical communicationwith said electrical circuitry.
 20. A motorized luggage rack apparatusas recited in claim 14, further comprising a remotely located wirelessapparatus is in wireless electrical communication with said electricalcircuitry.
 21. A motorized luggage rack apparatus as recited in claim20, wherein said wireless technology utilizes distance control andlocalizing or alignment technology.
 22. A motorized luggage rackapparatus as recited in claim 20, wherein said wireless technologyutilizes optical technology.
 23. A motorized luggage rack apparatus asrecited in claim 20, wherein said wireless technology utilizestriangulation techniques technology.
 24. A motorized luggage rackapparatus as recited in claim 20, wherein said wireless technologyutilizes GPS technology.
 25. A motorized luggage rack apparatus asrecited in claim 20, wherein said wireless technology utilizesultrasonic, Doppler, magnetic or laser sensor technology.
 26. Amotorized luggage rack apparatus as recited in claim 20, wherein saidwireless technology utilizes camera following technology.